Donkey Kong Country Returns HD gets major free update for Switch & Switch 2

Nintendo has surprise announced (and released) a free content update for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. In Version 1.1.0, Switch and Switch 2 players can now play as Dixie Kong (equipped with her iconic ponytail) in single-player and local co-op, and race through levels with higher speeds in the newly added Turbo Attack mode. For those with a Switch 2, the update also brings enhanced resolution (unspecified), faster load times, and the ability to GameShare. Patch notes below!

Ver. 1.1.0 (Released January 20, 2026)

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch:

• You can now play as Dixie Kong. Her action when jumping is different from when Diddy Kong jumps.
  • When playing alone, as you grab a barrel, you can switch between either Diddy Kong or Dixie Kong as the character that appears.
  • When playing with two people, P2 can switch between Diddy Kong or Dixie Kong by pressing the stick (the L Stick in the case of playing with both Joy-Con 2 or Joy-Con controllers) on the world map.
• A Turbo Attack mode where you can race through the stage at high speed has been added.
  • If you clear the course once, it will appear at the same time as the Time Attack mode.
  • If you can clear it within the time limit, you will acquire a turbo medal.
• Now supports Brazilian Portuguese language.
  • You can switch the language in the “Language” setting in the “System” menu of “System Settings.”
• Several other issues have been addressed and image quality enhancements have been made to improve the gameplay experience.

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

• Now supports “GameShare (Local User).”
  • You can select “GameShare (Local User)” from “2 Players” on the game start screen or the menu screen of the world map.
• Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
• The loading time is now shorter.